100-day countdown to Games begins; Queen's baton arrives in India

The 100-day countdown for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games began today when the Queen's Baton Relay arrived in India from Pakistan through the historic Wagah-Attari border amid much fanfare here.

Pakistan Olympic Association president Lt Gen Syed Arif Hassan handed over the Baton to the CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi at the no-man's land in the presence of Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell.

The QBR was launched by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 last year in the presence of Indian President Pratibha Patil.

It will now pass through all the states and union territories before reaching it's final destination -- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, venue for the opening ceremony -- on October 3.

Kalmadi, flanked by 'Shera' - mascot for the Delhi Games - received the baton amid loud cheers from the spectators from both the countries at 0930 IST and passed it on to Fennell, who arrived here specially to attend the function.

Fennell handed it over to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and then the baton, which is nearing the end of its 190,000-kilometer journey covering 71 nations and territories across the world, passed over to 21 dignitaries, including Minsiter of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and CGF Chief Executive Officer Mike Hooper.

"I am really delighted to be present at this historic moment and see the way India received the baton which not only carries the message of the Queen but also the message of peace and inspiration," Fennell said.

"Earlier everybody had anticipated about the Games' future in Delhi. But now the OC is working day and night to leave no stone unturned to make it a success. I am sure that the Delhi Games will be good celebration," he added.

Four-times world boxing champion Mary Kom and Olympic bronze medallist pugilist Vijender Singh jointly started the run with the baton from the international border to the city of Golden Temple.

Kalmadi, also the chief of the Indian Olympic Association, again thanked Pakistan for their support which helped India win the bid for hosting the Games.

"It's a big day for both India and Pakistan because Pakistan's efforts helped India get the Games and I am sure that our relationship with Pakistan will improve if we concentrate on the sporting angle," Kalmadi said.

"We have received it in a very big manner. I am grateful to Mr Fennell and Mr Hooper, who have been supporting us. This also happens to be 100 days before the Games and let me tell you that everything is in place, including the infrastructure. It will be a great success.

"I also hope the Games will be a turning point for the Olympic sports in India," he added.

The ceremony was also marked by cultural programmes, including music and folk dances on both the sides of the borders.

The main attractions of the morning was performances by late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's nephew Rahat Ali and the Indian Sufi singers -- the Wadali brothers that enthralled the audience.

Salmaan Taseer, Governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, represented the country at the function.

A commemorative postage stamp was also released on the occasion.

Besides Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil, a host of top politicians and bureaucrats were also present at the function.

After Amritsar, the baton will pass through other cities in the northern state including Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Pathankot before entering Jammu and Kashmir by the end of this month.